Introduction:On scorching summer days, many customers walking into Luckin Coffee feel as if they’ve stepped into an ice cellar, with the store’s air conditioning often set to an extremely low temperature of 16°C, sparking widespread discussion. This article delves into the reasons behind the overly strong air conditioning from the perspective of actual customer experiences, combined with the operational background of staff and the characteristics of the store space. It also provides tips and suggestions for consumers picking up orders in the summer, so you can enjoy your coffee while staying comfortable.
As summer peaks, temperatures across the country continue to rise, making it hard to stay outdoors under the blazing sun. Everyone wants to retreat into an air-conditioned indoor space as quickly as possible. However, for many customers entering Luckin Coffee stores, finding a bit of cool relief turns into another extreme challenge — because the in-store air conditioning is often too powerful, with actual measured temperatures as low as16℃, creating a stark contrast with the high temperatures outside and leading many to joke that walking in feels like falling into an ice cellar.
On social platforms, numerous consumers have shared their “freezing” experiences after entering Luckin: “Waiting for my coffee gave me a chill-induced cold,” “Just walked in from outside and almost got frozen stiff,” “As soon as I stepped out after picking up my coffee, my glasses fogged up instantly, like entering a cyber world.” Some more sensitive customers even reported shivering, having runny noses, or even developing cold symptoms after staying too long.
Interestingly, compared to customer complaints, the staff inside the stores seem accustomed to it. Working long hours in the store, dressed in uniforms, aprons, and hats, and constantly performing high-activity tasks like brewing and making ice, surrounded by equipment such as coffee machines, ice makers, and refrigerators that continuously emit heat, most are not particularly sensitive to the low temperatures. When asked by customers, “Aren’t you cold?” the staff often just laugh it off, as they’ve already adapted to this working environment.
So why is the air conditioning in Luckin stores generally set to such a low temperature? According to on-site observations and insights from staff, one of the main reasons isto prevent mosquitoes. During the hot summer months, mosquitoes are more active, and if indoor temperatures are too high, it can easily attract them, affecting hygiene and the customer experience. Setting the air conditioning temperature between16–20°Cnot only reduces the likelihood of mosquitoes flying in but also helps maintain the cleanliness and freshness of materials.
Moreover, during actual visits, netizens have captured images of the air conditioning settings in some Luckin stores, showing that the indoor temperature was indeed set to16℃, with the fan speed set to high. On the day in question, the outdoor perceived temperature was only around7–8°C(actual highs may have reached over 35°C), resulting in an extreme contrast between hot and cold that naturally made customers coming in from outside feel extremely uncomfortable.
In terms of store design, most Luckin outlets are small spaces primarily designed for takeout, where customers usually stay only briefly, just picking up their orders at the counter. As a result, the air conditioning temperature is not typically adjusted specifically for customer comfort. Additionally, due to the compact size of the stores, the cool air tends to concentrate throughout the space, so even when it’s unbearably hot outside, stepping into the store gives an immediate sensation of “cooling down,” which can easily lead to excessive cooling and create an “ice cellar effect.”
For consumers, if you’re particularly sensitive to low temperatures, it’s recommended to bring a light jacket or scarf when entering a Luckin store, especially during hot summer weather when moving between intensely air-conditioned spaces. This can help avoid discomfort caused by sudden temperature changes. Additionally, it’s advisable to leave the air-conditioned area quickly after picking up your coffee and be mindful that glasses lenses may fog up due to the temperature difference — you might prepare a lens cloth in advance or opt for frameless glasses to reduce the effect.
In summary, although the 16°C air conditioning setting in Luckin stores leaves many customers exclaiming “too cold,” it involves multiple considerations such as mosquito prevention, store space characteristics, and staff work needs. Understanding these reasons allows consumers to be better prepared when entering the store for pickup and to balance quenching their thirst with a comfortable experience even in the sweltering summer heat.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
